The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era

Chapter 668 [THE SHADOW WITHIN] AUDITION (III)

”WHICH scenario will you be performing for us?” Director McCann asked, his gaze fixed on the man on the stage.

Rhett Archer straightened his posture, his voice steady despite the tension coiled tightly within him. ”Scenario 8, sir.”

Astrid raised a brow at the otherʼs choice. Scenario 8 was no ordinary scene—it was the emotional center of the story, focused completely on the main character. It showed the moment when the main character found out who the killer was and felt broken by the betrayal. The scene needed a perfect mix of emotions: shock, disbelief, anger, and sadness all at the same time.

In Astridʼs opinion, Scenario 8 was the hardest of all the options listed for the audition. The lack of context only made it worse, leaving the actor to figure out the feelings and stakes without a clear backstory. Doing such a deep and emotional performance needed a lot of skill. Astrid couldnʼt help but wonder if this actor knew what he was getting into.

He glanced down at Rhett Archerʼs profile. The man was 29 years old, younger than he had expected. Despite having seven years of acting experience, the other hadnʼt landed any major roles. Every credit listed on his profile was either as a minor villain or a gangster extra.

Astrid lifted his head, his gaze settling on Rhett Archer standing on stage. He was tall and muscular, with sharp features that gave him the look of a tough guy with a dangerous edge. It was easy to see why he had been typecast in villain roles—his presence practically radiated intimidation.

His build certainly matched the protagonist in [The Shadow Within], but the impression he gave didnʼt quite align. While the protagonist was described as a tough, rugged figure, there was an underlying gentleness to him—something he couldnʼt fully conceal, no matter how hard he tried to hide it behind his rough exterior. Astrid couldnʼt help but wonder if Rhett Archer had the range to capture that subtle complexity.

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Well, no matter. They would know soon enough once he began his performance.

The stage shifted seamlessly into the dim confines of an abandoned warehouse. Crates and broken beams were scattered across the floor, and a single overhead light flickered weakly, casting jagged shadows. From the darkness, the killer emerged, their form a faceless silhouette.

Rhett Archer stood still at first, his shoulders tense, his breath coming in shallow bursts. His wide-eyed stare lingered on the shadowy figure, disbelief etched into his expression. His lips parted as if to speak, but no sound came. Instead, his hand trembled slightly at his side before curling into a fist.

He took a hesitant step forward, his brows furrowing as his expression shifted to confusion and then anger. His chest heaved as he inhaled deeply, trying to steady himself. ”Why?” he finally asked, his voice low and strained. ”Why did you do it?”

The shadow didnʼt respond, and Rhettʼs jaw tightened, his teeth clenching. His gaze flickered to the ground for a moment before snapping back to the figure, his eyes brimming with restrained fury. ”You think this makes it right? That this makes it better?” he demanded, his voice breaking slightly on the last word.

Rhettʼs body language told the rest of the story. His stance shifted, his weight moving forward as if he was ready to lunge, but he stopped himself, his hands shaking before he forced them to his sides. He exhaled sharply, his nostrils flaring as his expression shifted again, the anger giving way to something harder to name.

He took another slow step forward, his movements deliberate but heavy, like the air around him had grown thicker. His gaze softened, though the tension in his jaw remained. ”You didnʼt have to do this,” he said quietly, almost a whisper. ”You couldʼve stopped.”

His hand hovered near his holster, but he didnʼt draw his weapon. Instead, he stood there, his shoulders rising and falling with his labored breath, his face a mix of frustration, sadness, and the faintest trace of regret. He glanced down for a moment, his expression briefly crumbling, before he quickly straightened again, his resolve returning.

Rhettʼs silence spoke louder than any words as he stared down the shadow, his body rigid, his eyes locked on the figure as if searching for an answer he knew wouldnʼt come. Slowly, his hands stopped trembling, and he let out one last shaky breath.

”Youʼre done,” he said firmly. His voice was now steady as he gazed hard at the shadow.

The silence that followed was suffocating as Rhett stood there, his every emotion laid bare in his expression and movements.

The stage shifted back to the bright theater, the illusion of the warehouse disappearing completely. Rhett Archer stood still for a moment, his breathing steadying as he let go of the emotions he had just portrayed. He straightened himself, glanced at the three people sitting in front of the stage, and gave them a small, polite bow before stepping back.

Director McCann looked up from his notes. He had a composed expression, but a flicker of excitement still flashed in his eyes. He gave a small nod. ”Thank you for your performance. Weʼll review the auditions and contact you soon.” He paused for a moment, his gaze lingering on the actor on stage with a hint of approval before adding, ”You may step down now.”

Astrid glanced at the director, noticing the subtle satisfaction in his expression. It was clear Rhett Archerʼs performance had impressed him. Astrid had to admit, he felt the same. He was glad to have been proven wrong, realizing that the otherʼs acting range was far greater than he had originally assumed.

He typed out his notes on Rhett Archerʼs profile, carefully documenting his thoughts on the performance.

- He captured the characterʼs emotional complexity with authenticity, delivering a performance that was both compelling and layered.

- Some of his gestures felt a bit too restrained, as if he was hesitating whether he should do it or not, which limited the full impact of certain emotional moments.

With that, the next performer stepped onto the stage, and the audition carried on.